Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have officially requested that the High Court postpone rendering a decision in the criminal case involving him and Akonta Mining Company Limited.
Samuel Atta Akyea, the recently hired lawyer, filed the application, requesting that the court postpone the July 3 ruling so that the defence has enough time to get the certified record of proceedings and prepare written arguments.
Following the conclusion of the defense’s case, Andy Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi’s former lawyer, withdrew.
The court decided that in criminal proceedings, counsel does not need the court’s approval to stop representing a client, characterising the matter as one between lawyer and client, even if it rejected the prior motion requesting leave to withdraw.
According to an affidavit supporting the motion, Atta Akyea was appointed on June 19 to represent Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited following the withdrawal of the prior attorney.
He says that since then, he has asked the court registry for certified copies of the proceedings and all procedures filed in the case, but he has not yet received them.
The affidavit states that he cannot properly fulfil his professional commitments to his clients or become sufficiently familiar with the proceedings without the full record.
He contends that the accused have a right to competent legal representation during the entire trial because of the serious criminal allegations and the possible repercussions.
The motion further argues that allowing the adjournment will protect the constitutional right to a fair trial and boost public trust in the administration of justice rather than harming the prosecution.
Atta Akyea maintains that the motion is just meant to allow him to thoroughly review the case before a verdict is rendered, not to impede or postpone justice.
After the defense’s case was concluded, the High Court scheduled a ruling for July 3, 2026. Wontumi and his co-accused are on trial for accusations related to illicit mining activities, which they have refuted.
Source: newsthemegh.com